10 Ways To Be More Creative and Efficient

01. Research The Competition

Sometimes web designers get stuck when they are trying to figure out the look of a new website. Looking at the webpages of competitors sites gives them an idea of what looks good and what doesn’t, as well as designs that other people are using.

02. Use Hosted Exchange

A hosted exchange service like Microsoft Exchange Server allows web designers to work more efficiently because the designer’s calendar, email, contacts, and other files are stored in the same secure place and can be accessed using a single program.

03. Use Sites Like Flickr

Clients often don’t know exactly how they want their site to look, and using websites like Flickr and searching for the website’s main topic can help a web designer find a color scheme that works well for their client’s page. The images may also inspire the entire look of a website.

04. Focus

Web designers often work on several projects at once, which can decrease efficiency. It is better for most designers to finish one project before starting another so their attention can be completely devoted on the task at hand and they’ll complete the project faster.

05. Have A Working Calendar

Meeting deadlines for several different clients can be a challenge, so web designers should make sure they have a calendar that outlines when all of their different projects are due. This is an excellent place to note any instructions the client has given, as well as the client’s contact information. Having all of this information in one place helps the designer save time and frustration.

06. Use Tutorials

Web designers who want to increase their design skills can benefit from the many design tutorials that are available online. Doing one tutorial a week is a great way to gain new skills or keep old ones fresh.

07. Declutter Your Workspace

It is often difficult for designers to relax and get to work when their desk area is a mess. Keeping things organized saves time when you’re looking for a certain program or piece of information.

08. Provide A Customer Worksheet

Web designers that work for many different clients should have a basic set of documents that all clients are required to fill out before the start of their project.

09. Read Magazines

Looking at layouts and advertising in print is a great way to find inspiration for website layouts and color schemes.

10. Communicate

Web designers who communicate effectively with their clients and love their job usually create much more successful websites than their counterparts who design because they make good money.

Written by Mary, who is a freelance tech writer who focuses primarily on web design and web hosting news and reviews for Hosted Exchange 2010 from Sherweb.